Five classic finals

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Liverpool uefa cup Alaves

Liverpool celebrate their 2001 Uefa Cup victory

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Ahead of Wednesday's showpiece at the City of Manchester Stadium we look back at five classic Uefa Cup finals.

2002 - Feyenoord 3 Borussia Dortmund 2

Stroppy striker Pierre van Hooijdonk, known in Britain more for his sulks than his undoubted ability, proved to be the hero as Feyenoord triumphed against German giants Dortmund. At their own De Kuip stadium, the former Nottingham Forest forward scored a penalty - after Jurgen Kohler had been sent off - and added a second shortly before half-time. Dortmund strikers Amoroso and Jan Koller scored either side of Jon Dahl Tomasson's 50th-minute clincher as Bert van Marwijk's side held on to lift the Bertoni trophy.

2007 - Sevilla 2 Espanyol 2 (Sevilla won 3-1 on penalties)

Having beaten Middlesbrough 4-0 in the previous year's final, Sevilla had a sterner test when they defended their crown in Glasgow against La Liga rivals Espanyol. After a frenetic start, little winger Adriano opened the scoring only for Albert Riera to level. Fredi Kanoute's goal in extra-time set Sevilla back on course but penalties were required as Jonatas brought the Parakeets level again. However, Juande Ramos' side prevailed in the shoot-out, becoming only the second team - after Real Madrid - to retain the title.

2001 - Liverpool 5 Alaves 4 (after extra-time)

Liverpool won an impressive treble in the 2000-01 season peaking with a thrilling Uefa Cup final win over La Liga minnows Alaves. Gerard Houllier's side took a 2-0 lead through Markus Babbel and Steven Gerrard. Ivan Alonso pulled one back before Gary McAllister's penalty seemingly put the game beyond the Basque side. However, Javi Moreno's quick second-half double levelled things only for Robbie Fowler to snatch what seemed to be the winner. A further twist saw Jordi Cruyff net in the penultimate minute of the match to force extra-time before Delfi Geli scored a cruel 'golden' own-goal late on to hand the Reds a thrilling triumph.

1988 - Bayer Leverkusen 3 Espanyol 3 (on aggregate, Leverkusen won 3-2 on penalties)

Barcelona's second team romped the first leg with a 3-0 win in the Estadi de Sarria, inspired by goalscorers Roberto Losada and Miguel Soler to leave the Germans with much to do in the return leg. Leverkusen, coached by Erich Ribbeck, predictably threw everything forward in the second leg. After a goalless first half, Leverkusen scored three in 25 minutes to devastate Espanyol before an extra-time stalemate preceded a victorious penalty shoot-out victory for Bayer.

1981 - Ipswich 5 AZ Alkmaar 4 (on aggregate)

It may have been contested by two unglamorous teams, but the two-legged 1981 final was among the competition's most entertaining. Bobby Robson's Blues had seen off the likes of Manchester United and Juventus en route to the final. They coasted the first leg 3-0 as John Wark, Dutchman Frans Thijssen and Paul Mariner scored. Thijssen scored again in the return before AZ roared back to win 4-2 on the night, but Town's attacking stance had earned them a glorious victory.

Can you recall any other famous Uefa Cup finals? Let us have your thoughts using the form below.

Comments

Gerry Brown (Celtic fan) says...

David Robertson you couldn't have said it better. 10/10

Posted 19:42 14th May 2008

Paul Stevenson (Celtic fan) says...

Re:David Robertson. The silver goal never took effect in that final as the goal in extra time came in the second period, if it had been scored in the first period of extra time then it would have been the 'silver' goal and the match would have ended at half time had Celtic not been able to equalise. Was a really silly format if you ask me.

Posted 18:41 14th May 2008

Mike Boylen (Middlesbrough fan) says...

I cant remember any others; but I do remember two epic games a quarter and semi final, both won by last minute goals for Middlesbrough by Maccarone. They were epics

Posted 18:01 14th May 2008

David Robertson (Celtic fan) says...

the classic celtic vs porto...uefa cup final 2003. Celtic deserved to win that final down to the heroics of henrik larsson. Final score was settled on a stupid silver goal format, got beat 3-2 in the end because of it

Posted 15:38 14th May 2008

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